I left North Carolina at 9:00 am yesterday. I didn’t want to get stuck in traffic, so it seemed like the perfect timing. I could leave after the morning rush hour and be there before the evening rush hour. Wishful thinking, right?
Before I left, I had a delicious slice of whole grain bread (Artizo) with blackberry jelly.
I set out on a beautiful day. The sun was shining, I had my audio book on (Saving Capitalism), and I was in my comfy road trip clothes. I’ll never understand how some people can wear jeans on a long road trip.
With every trip, there is always a story.
I was only 45 minutes into my drive and I decided to follow the left lane car pool. I was the last car in the row and I saw a motorcycle behind me with flashing lights…”oh, s***! I’m being pulled over”, so I got over and the trooper stopped behind me. I was only going seven over, but that is still speeding. As soon as the trooper hopped off his bike, a yellow corvette sped by us going at least 100 mph. The trooper hopped back on his bike as fast as a spider monkey, gave me a thumbs up, and sped off to grab the guy in the corvette. I was just left there on the side of the road in shock…I took it as a pre-roadtrip warning to drive the speed limit.
Road trips make me tired. I used to cave in and grab those horrible-for-you energy drinks at the gas stations. XYIENCE sent me some samples of their energy drinks at the perfect time because I could test them out on my road trip. They are vitamin-fortified with zero calories, natural colors, natural flavors and no sugar. I tried the blue pomegranate a couple hours in and it was really good. It had a very natural and smoothie flavor and didn’t have a icky aftertaste like most energy drinks. I’m keeping the other flavors for my trip back. It’s a great quick energy drink for road trips or days when you need a pick-me-up. I wouldn’t be able to drink this before a workout or I’d be running up the walls.
Around noon, I was starvin’ but I didn’t want to stop unless it was for gas. I brought a key lime pie Larabar for the drive and it did the trick.
If any of you follow me on snapchat (taralynnmcnitt) you probably saw all of my updates! I got to D.C. around 4:30pm and only experienced about two hours of traffic.
I met my brother and Karlee at their building. They made me a falafel wrap with tomato, lettuce, tzatziki, roasted red pepper hummus, and avocado. After I had dinner, I headed down to see Shaughna and Mike. I’ll be staying at their place for a couple weeks while they vacation in Hawaii (lucky ducks). They have the adorable golden doodle, Kona. You’ll get spoiled with tons of photos of him for the next couple of weeks. Mr. Grumples is staying with my parents and will love spending time with them before he goes back to apartment life.
Around seven, I needed to move my legs after sitting in the car all day. I didn’t want to go running because I was way too stiff and poorly hydrated. I decided to do a 45 minute walk at an incline and do light weights.
After the gym, I plopped in bed and watched Dancing With The Stars. This season is so great! I love the switch ups.
I woke up at 5:30 this morning to head over to Shaughna and Mikes. They left for Hawaii early this morning. After walking Kona around the neighborhood, I grabbed a banana and had half a bagel with my coffee.
Can you believe how big he has gotten since the last time he was on my blog?
He likes to make himself comfortable on your lap and I don’t mind. I love him.
He was full of kisses this morning.
He acts just like Grumples did at that age.
That nose <3
My friends over at Jojo’s Chocolate sent me on my trip with my favorite chocolate bark on the planet! I’m not kidding when I say it’s the “BEST” chocolate ever. It’s not bitter like most dark chocolate.
Not only is their chocolate delicious and filled with healthy nutrients, Jojo’s story is so amazing. She created this chocolate bark after being diagnosed with breast cancer and needing to make a healthy lifestyle change. When I first started my weight loss journey years ago, a piece of chocolate every night was also my secret to kicking the cravings. We have that in common. Jojo is cancer free and still inspiring others to kick their sugar cravings!
The bark is filled with my favorites:
70% dark chocolate, raw almonds, raw pistachios, dried cranberries, all natural NON-GMO, casein protein.
Just try ONE bite, and you’ll be hooked. I love that company and I love their product! I tried it for the first time years ago and it’s still my favorite bark out there.
Around noon, I headed over to Whole Foods to pick up some eats for the week. These are just quick fixes and some of my favorite products. I’m going to try my best to order the healthiest of options at restaurants and keep this trip fresh and healthy! I’m still running and working out and trying to better my heath.
I love having toast before a run so I bought whole wheat bread, peanut butter and jelly. Carrots, turkey, almonds, and hummus are great for snacking. I bought vegan burgers and veggie fries for quick lunches. I’m excited to go to the market in D.C. soon.
The tomato basil hummus was pretty good. It grows on you!
I had spiced apple Siggi’s yogurt with almonds, carrots, and hummus for lunch today. After lunch, I’ve been guzzling down water to hydrate myself for my run later. Kona and I have already gone on three little walks.
This is Ollie (OJ), the sweetest little kitty ever. I call him freckles because of his little nose spots.
Kona cuddled up to me this morning 🙂
This is going to be a great trip!
I love following your blog! What camera do you use to take your pictures?
Thanks! Just a Cannon Rebel!
Awe, love seeing my baby so happy!! I hope you have a great time, watch out for Whole Foods! 🙂
Whole foods sucks me in every time! Excited to see your Hawaii pics!!
I can’t wait to read about your adventures!
Thank you!
You were driving in the car pool lane. That’s why you were pulled over. Do you know what car pooling means?
I was driving in a pool of cars going the same speed…it wasn’t a special express lane. I drive in that lane all the time.
actually car pool lanes (at least in the midwest) are for cars carrying multiple people!
i understand what a carpool “lane” is lol. I’m saying, I was driving in a pool of cars going over…The lane wasnt anything special.
Gotcha! Still surprised you would have been pulled over going 7 over!
A car pool and a carpool lane are totally different things.
I love your bracelets in the energy drink photo, especially the leather one! Where are they from?
my shop 🙂
I have more coming in soon.
I’m so obsessed with your blog and you are beautiful.
Thank you Cam! That means a lot:)
Those fries are the bomb!
SO SO SO GOOD!
Almost like a mini grumps!!!
Just like him:)
You are so inspiring.
XO Thank you Hannah!
I live in Alexandria near Old Town – welcome back to DC! Let me know if you need any DC/Alexandria recommendations or would like to meet up with a local! Morgan
Thanks Morgan!!
Oh my gosh, Kona and “Freckles” are gorge! What did you think of the key time Lara bar? I’ve only had apple pie. Not my fave, but love them when I get hungry out and about. Have a great trip!
Key lime…lol.
They’re the cutest. It was pretty good! So far the snicker doodle and pumpkin are my faves!
Snicker doodle and pumpkin…yum! Must try soon.
I really like that air freshener you have.
Thanks! It’s Ankit! You can see the other accessories on a couple posts back!
Who is taking care of your other dog, the Pit
Tino stays with Nick.
I can’t wait to read all about your trip! Love your blog Taralynn!
Thank you Sierra!!
Does Siggis have fruit on the bottom of their yogurts?
NO. There are tiny little chunks of fruit inside, but non of that gunky fruit jelly like other yogurts.
Sweet, thanks!
I saw you walking that dog today with a blonde girl! I can’t believe you’re in my city!
Hahaha yea! That was Karlee 🙂
How long is the drive from D.C. to the Carolinas? I’m thinking about making the trip soon!
It’s only about 6-7 hours depending on traffic from Charlotte!
Do you have a Volvo? How do you like them?
I used to! I had my little volvo for years and LOVED it! Very good/safe cars!
Where can I buy Jojo’s? Is it only through the website?
Have fun in DC!
I think so! I’ll shoot them an email to see if they sell it anywhere in stores.
You are such an inspiration for trying to stay healthy on vacation. I always find that difficult. Kona is such a cutie! I can’t wait for more updates. Enjoy your stay there!
Thank you Lauren!!
First off: I’m so jealous your go to D.C so often. I live in CT and I’ve only driven through it on road trips to Florida. It looks incredible! It’s only a 6 hour drive for us, but my husband and I never seem to get there. You’ll have to let me know which season is the best time to visit! Also, I suggest visiting my area someday. I live by Mystic, CT. We have the two largest casinos in the in North America, gorgeous beaches, and cute little waterfront towns. I love to travel but my heart is def here. It’s also a bonus bc I we are only and 2 hours from Boston and 2 1/2 from NYC.
Second off: I love that pup! If I didn’t have two very spoiled dogs already…. I am trying to convince my friends to get a goldendoodle though… Love the breed!
Enjoy your trip. 🙂
PS. My spelling in that post :/ whoops
D.C. is so fun. It’s endless, too! I’m excited to get some shots of the trees changing. Mystic sounds incredible and you had me at “casino”! It seems like the perfect place to live….near NYC, by the beach, casinos, and you get all 4 seasons.
Goldendoodles are pretty fun:) Lots of energy!
Jojo’s Chocolate is one of my favorite desserts. I like to put it in my kid’s lunch boxes.
lucky kids!
Hi Tara! Long time lurker,first time poster! 🙂 I find your blog so inspiring!! I have to ask tho, feel free not to answer of course but are you and nick broken up? I only ask because you used to mention him in every post,multiple times and now you don’t mention him at all. No matter what I hope you’re in happy place either way!! Keep on smiling pretty lady!!
Hi Jessica! 🙂
Thanks so much for the kind words. Nick and I are fine 🙂 We’ve been really busy lately! xo xo
oh my gosh Kona and OJ are soooo cute. i hope you have fun on your trip tara! that food haul reminds me, i gotta make a whole foods run soon.
Thanks Amalie!!
You are a really good person and I pray to God that you never let any opinions of people on the internet ever make you feel any less.
Well thank you! xo
Where did you get that bracelet?
My shop:) & I’ll have more up soon!
You have a great eye for photography.
Ohhh well thank you!:)
Kona is a mini grumps.
lol yes!
I need to try JoJos looks amazing! Glad to see you’re doing better! Can’t wait to read more about your trip, I’ve been meaning to get up to D.C. But that’s a drive from the Atlanta area!
That is a pretty long drive!! & THANK YOU SO MUCH!
My goodness, those pets are too sweet and that chocolate looks delicious!
They really are 🙂
How do you deal with being away from school for these kinds of trips?
How do you deal with being away from school on these kinds of trips?
I have online classes so I have to focus before bed and when I wake up!
Ur so cute! Looking forward to your dc posts! Will Nick come up again w you? So many cute places to go on double dates!!
Lol thanks Caroline! 🙂 Nope just me.
Those are the cutest animals!!
Definitely!!
Thank you for introducing me to Ankit!
Love love your blog, fb page, pinterest and all the pics and the food pics and healthy eating info
Thank you Maureen!!!
I LOVE YOUR BLOG
THANK YOU!
Go back to DC SO I CAN FOLLOW YOUR POST!